(4/15/99)

For thousands of people downtown, and hundreds who were evacuated, this was a day of fear and chaos. News Specialist John Daley was on the scene and explains what it was like for those in the center of it.

Hundreds of people today went to the Geneology Library to explore the lives of their ancestors. Instead they found themselves scrambling for their own lives.

Margaret Kane said, "I could see under the legs of the table the man walking back and forth, shooting people, saw him shoot a man on the ground."

Robert Howard said, "We heard this popping sound, like somebody dropped a light bulb from the chandelier. Then we realized, somebody's got a gun."

According to Irene Johnson, "They crawled around the walls and rushed in, but there was a man, it was one of our missionaries, he was lying on the floor and it didn't look good."

Dozens of kids from Vista Elementary escaped the field trip of their lives--made it back to school--and into safe, familiar, loving arms.

Principal Linda Rawlins said, "We're just grateful they're all okay, all in one piece."

Same emotion at Abravanel Hall, where evacuees get information from police; nourishment from the LDS Church; and comfort from friends and relatives.

Stefanie Bell left school midday to find her mom, who works at the library.

"I just hugged her and started bawling. I'm glad she's okay."

For survivors, the emotional impact is overwhelming.

Eileen Gardner said, "I don't know what else to call it, it's just scary."

Another witness described their feelings as "Angry. I'm angry that he did this. That someone could do this. I'm angry at him personally."

One man I spoke with heard about the shooting and came down to find out if his wife, who was inside the library, was okay. He searched for some time but couldn't find her.

Whether he did find her, I don't know. But we can all relate to that kind of terror--that your loved one might be one of the ones simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.